Frequently Asked Questions as Colourist
What is Colour Correction?
Colour Correction is a technical process that fixes colour issues, such as exposure (under or over), colour temperature, undesired colour shifts, or using ‘dodging and burning’ techniques to bring out, or hide specific parts of each shot.
Our Colour Correction process can emphasise details in each shot, change lighting, or fix elements such as an underexposed face or poor white balance. We can help turn a daylight scene to night, or add warmth to an otherwise cold shot.
The goal of this process is to make footage appear as natural and as consistent as possible across the film.
For a more detailed explanation, head over to our article What’s the difference between Colour Correction and Colour Grading?
What is Colour Grading?
Colour Grading is an important creative process used to enhance colour within specific shots, scenes or entire productions to convey tone, mood and most importantly – meet the demands of the Director’s vision. This process can completely transform the colour palette to create the emotion and atmosphere needed to tell your story.
The grading process can transform day shots in to night shots, or change summer scenes to winter scenes. Grading takes advantage of colour theory to persuade your audience to feel the way you’d like them to feel.
Colour grading is typically done once colour correction is complete.
Where is your Colour Grading studio?
Our 4K calibrated post production colour suite is based in North London and is optimised for working on remote projects.
Wherever you or production team are located we can happily work as an integrated member of your team.
What Colour Grading tools do you use?
We use the same Emmy™ award winning image technology used by many of the greatest Hollywood movie blockbusters to colour grade.
All colour work is finished in the latest version DaVinci Resolve Studio. We can accept projects edited in most NLEs including Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro.
Core colour components and technology within our colour studio
– State of the art DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel.
– Blackmagicdesign Ultrastudio 4k, to ensure colour accurate reproduction.
– We use a number of monitors including – a 5k Retina display, a colour calibrated 4k Eizo ColorEdge CG319X monitor and a 65″ LG CX TV to monitor media output for consumption by consumer audiences.
– Dedicated monitor for monitoring colour scopes.
If your project is a documentary, film or video on any budget – please get in touch to see how we can transform your production into a masterpiece using breathtaking colour.
How much does it cost to colour grade a film?
When it comes to creating a visually and emotionally engaging film, documentary, tv commercial or video, the colour grading and colour correction stages of post production are essential. But how much does it cost?
At Colour Grading London we believe in supporting emerging filmmaker talent as well as supporting established commercial filmmakers, agencies and corporations. Our approach to pricing is flexible and adapts to the needs of our clients and their budget.
For small, independently funded projects with tight budgets, our clients often prefer us working to a pre-agreed fixed price. We offer discounts for filmmakers early in their careers.
For our larger clients who typically require faster turnarounds, we charge a day rate based on the industry and duration or size of project.
If you’d like a free, no obligation quote please get in touch.
What does a Freelance Colourist do?
Colourists are responsible for transforming the overall look and feel of a project from start to finish. There are mainly two types of Colourist.
In-house Colourists who work onsite within a post production facility, agency or onsite with the client, and are often employed by a larger organisation.
The second type is a Freelance Colourist who typically work independently for themselves. They may work remotely in their own calibrated studio and or run their own small post production facility.
Freelance Colourists typically provide greater flexibility in working hours, and often their rates will provide better value due to their lower costs and business overheads.
If you’d like to hire a Freelance Colourist for your next project, please request a free quote.
Who is behind Colour Grading London (CGL)?
Colour Grading London (CGL) is a small, independent colour studio led by Matt Mahmood-Ogston, a professional freelance colourist and award-winning filmmaker behind Behind the Facade Films (Behind the Facade Ltd).
If you’re looking for a Freelance Colourist in London, please get in touch.
Can you colour grade footage shot on different cameras?
As a freelance colourist, one of the questions I get asked is whether I can colour grade footage shot on different cameras. The short answer is yes, it is possible to colour grade footage shot on different cameras, but there are some important factors to consider.
Each camera has its own unique colour science, dynamic range, and image quality, which can make it challenging to match footage from different cameras.
When shooting footage that will be colour graded, it’s important, where possible, to shoot in a flat profile (such C-Log, S-Log or V-Log. A flat profile captures the maximum amount of dynamic range and provides more latitude for colour grading in post-production.
Skin tones are one of the most important elements in any video. When grading footage shot on different cameras. One of my key responsibilities as a colour grader is to ensure that skin tones match across all shots.
With the right care, passion, and the Hollywood tools and techniques I have access to, it is possible to achieve a cohesive look across footage shot on different cameras.
Please get in touch for more info.
Where can I learn more about Colour Grading?
Head over to a new site dedicated to teaching you all about this subject – Color Grading 101
Can you create a specific look or style for my project?
As a freelance colourist, I specialise in creating unique and personalised looks for each project I work on.
Whether you’re looking for a specific style or mood, I work closely with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life on screen.
I have a deep understanding of colour grading techniques and the latest industry trends. I use this knowledge and my years of experience to create a bespoke look that is tailored to your project’s needs.
Whether you’re looking for a vintage film look, a modern high-contrast style, or anything in between, I’m here to help you achieve your creative vision.